What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
waspishly
Example
She replied waspishly to his question, annoyed at the interruption. [waspishly: adverb]
Example
His waspish comments made everyone uncomfortable during the meeting. [waspish: adjective]
peevishly
Example
He peevishly complained about the food, even though it was delicious. [peevishly: adverb]
Example
Her peevish attitude made it hard for others to work with her. [peevish: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Peevishly is more commonly used than waspishly in everyday language. Peevishly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while waspishly is less common and may be considered more formal or literary.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between waspishly and peevishly?
Waspishly is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while peevishly is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.